Electric control circuit



April 7, 1953 E. G. ANGER 2,634,320

ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT Filed March '7, 1950 Patented Apr. 7, 1953 ELECTRIC CONTROL CIRCUIT Ernest Gnv Anger, Wauwatosa, Wis., assignor to SquarelD Company, Detroit, Michi, a corporation of MichiganV Appncation March 7, 1950, serial No. 148,179.0

(c1. 17a-32o) 18 Claims.

This invention relates to a method for obtain-ing semi-synchronous Weld l firing.

, More speciiicallm the invention relates to an electronicjwelding circuit in which weld current starts toi flow atapproximately the same point onv'the Voltage wave each time a conducting period occurs, and in which accurate, full half cycle lead-trail action is obtained, both advantageous features being-v attained with certainty and economy.

O ne objectof the present invention is the provision o'f-a, relay in a welding circuit which is energized by conduction of an electronic tube,

vand which isprovidedwith components for insuring -iiowy of welding current in full cycles with a` full lead half cycle and accurate cut-ofi of welding current after the trail half cycle ofweld currentflows.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an economical circuit arrangement for delaying the conduction of the electronic tube which energizes the aforementioned relayI to insure'a full half cycle of conduction through the relay. coil...

It is a furtherobject of this invention to provide a conventional back-to-back ignitron circuit arrangement with a iiring contact controlled byVV a relay coil energizedby an electronic circuit including an electronic tube, therelay coil being paralleled with capacitive and inductive elements which insure that the relay coil staysencrgized during theentireweld period and that'the relay coil is rapidly andpositively deenergiaed to effect synchronous terminationy oi lthe weld.

Other objects and features of the inventionwill secondary 5 serving to supply-voltage to conductors-l, 8 and S. A half-wave rectifier ll in circuijtwith thesecondary E, cooperateswith a smoothing: capacitor I2 wl'iich;V is connected Y between ,theconductora f l: and .8i to, provide these 9ndiwtorawtli-a pulsating D. C. voltages serially disposed across theconductors'l and 8 isa pair ofl resistors I3 and I4 which are connectedbya conductor lgto a timing circuit conifprijsing axed resistor `lli,avariable resistor l1 in series therewith, andjacapacitor I8 connected in parallel with these two resistors, theA advanftage and details of this particular timing circuit beingmore particularly pointed out in applica-nts copending application for Electric Timing vControl iled March 7, 1950, Serial No. 148,191. This timing circuit is connected to the conductor 'I throughva normally closed contact I9, and also to the control grid 2l of an electronic tube 22'- haviing a cathode 23 and an anode 24,'the cathode 23 being connected to conductor-Sand theanode 24 to conductor 'l througha normally open contact '23v and a resistor 29. Tube 22 has a shield grid 25 which is connected between a capacitor 26 and a resistor 2l serially disposed between the conductors l and 8.

Connected to the resistor 29 is a conductor 3| which serves to connect a timing circuit, comprising an adjustable resistor 32 and a capacitor 33 in series therewith, to the anode circuit of tube 22. The capacitor 33 is normally shorted out by a contact 34 which is normallyv closed.r A conductor 35-is connected between the adjustable lresistor 32 and the capacitor 33 and to a secondary 35 of a transformer 45, the primary of which is connected across lines I and 2, the secondary 36 serving to supply heat to the cathode 3] of an electronic tube 33. This tube has an anode 33 and a control grid 4! and the principal electrodes are supplied from a ksecondary 46Vof the transformer 45. A capacitor 42 is connected between the control gridAl andthe cathode 31 ofthe tube 33, and to a point between a pair of Voltage dividing resistors 43 and 44 whichare serially disposed between the conductors lV and 8. A relay coil 41 is disposedl between the anode 39' of*v tube 38 and the transformer secondary 45, the relay coil 4'! being paralleled by a capacitor 48and1an inductor 49, this parallel circuit being further paralleled by the primary of' avtransiormer 5l.

` The reactive qualities of the capacitor 48 and inductor 48 Aare chosen so that a substantial exchange of energy between these elementsl will occur.

The relay coil 4l controls the closure of a normally open contact 52 connectedin a backrtoback circuit comprising ignitrons 53 and 54 conventionally disposed between the Vmain lines Ai and ilr and l serving.) toA control the energization` of a `welding transformerk 55 having a secoiilaiy;A 58 for passing current to theworli to bowelded,l The stroke of this relay is designed so that contact 52 closes during the first half cycle following the first conducting half cycle of tube 33, and preferably at a point in that half cycle which approximately corresponds to a normal current zero point for a welding transformer of average power factor. The secondary of transformer l is connected through `a resistor 5d to a control grid 5i of an electronic tube 5S, the anode of which is connected to the conductor l, the cathode being connected to a timing circuit comprising a fixed resistor 59, an adjustable resistor Si in series therewith, and a parallel capacitor 62, a conductor 63 being connected between the fixed and. variable resistors to introduce a voltage into the timing circuit from a second circuit comprising a resistor 64 and resistor 65, these latter resistors being serially connected between the conductor 1 and a cathode heater circuit to be subsequently explained.

The capacitor 62 is connected to a control grid 6B of an electronic tube di having an anode 68 and a cathode 59, the anode 68 being connected through a resistor il to the conductor ,9 while the cathode 69 is connected to conductor 8. The resistor is connected through an- -other resistor Si? to a control grid l2 of an electronic tube 13, the anode of which is connected to the conductor while the cathode is connected to another timing circuit comprising a fixed resistor 'l and a variable resistor i5 in series therewith, the series circuit being paralleled by a capacitor 76. A voltage is introduced into this timing circuit by a conductor "iii from `a series circuit comprising a resistor ll and a resistor 13, these resistors being serially disposed lbetween conductors and the aforementioned cathode heater circuit.

The capacitor 'I6 is connected to a control grid 'I9 of an electronic tube Si, having an anode 32 vand a cathode 83, these electrodes of tube 3i being connected across one secondary 84 of a transformer 85 through a normally open manually operated switch 85 and a relay coil 3l, a capacitor 8S paralleling the relay coil. The primary of transformer 85 is connected across the supply lines I and 2. The relay coil controls the operation of a contact t@ which is normally open and which parallels the manually operated Switch 8S, this relay coil also controlling the operation of contacts 4, 53, 28 and 34. A. second secondary Si of transformer 35 supplies the Acathode heaters ci tubes 22, 6i', and iii.

In the description of the circuit, conventional Velements such as surge bypass capacitors, fuses, thermal flow switches, and other conventional I.elements have been eliminated although these would be present in an operating circuit. This ,elimination of conventional parts has been ef,- `fected for purposes of simplicity, their position and function being well known to those familiar with the art.

Prior to the operation of the manually operated switch 86, the valve solenoid 3 is deen- `ergized as contact 4 is open. Contact l is closed, and capacitorY i8 is charged to approximately the full voltage between conductors l and 8 through control grid rectification of tube h22.V` Contact 28 is, as illustrated, in an open condition thus disconnecting the anode 24 of tube 22 from the conductor 7. The contact 3d is closed, thereby shorting out capacitor 33, and ',the contact 82 is open, no path from secondary 84 through the tube Si therefore existing. These contacts are mechanically arranged so that the Vpulse value due to line variations.

4 normally closed contacts I9 and 34 will open before the normally open contacts 4, 28 and 89 close.

Upon closure of the manually operated switch S, tube 8i will begin to conduct as soon as secondary 84 drives the anode 82 positive with respect to the cathode 63, the conduction of this tube serving to energize the relay coil Si. During the half cycle in which tube 8l does not conduct, due to improper polarity of the transformer secondary 8d, the capacitor 88 serves to maintain the relay coil 81 in an energized condition in the conventional manner. As contact i9 opens, the control grid 2i oi tube 22 is swept negative with respect to the cathode 23 of that tubedue to the charge on capacitor i8. As contact 34 opens, the short across capacitor 33 is eliminated. As the contact 4 then closes, the valve solenoid 3 is energized and the welding electrodes act to apply pressure to the work in the conventional manner to start the squeeze time period. Closure of contact 2S completes the anode circuit of tube 2&1, but this tube cannot begin to conduct due to the charge on capacitor IS. Closure of contact B9 forms a nonbeat holding circuit across the manually operated `switch 3S.

Tube 22 remains in the quiescent condition aforementioned for a period determinedby the timing elements including the capacitor I8 and the resistors i5 and il in parallel therewith, these elements determining the length of the squeeze time period. The arrangement of the resistors I6 and il paralleling capacitor i8, this arrangement being fully and accurately described in the aforementioned copending application, is such that the voltage difference between the control grid 2l and the cathode 23 is always slowly dissipated, thereby permitting control over the actual moment of initiating conduction of tube 22 by the pulsating voltage applied to the shield grid 25 of the tube 22, this pulse of positive voltage to the shield grid 25 occurring during the momentary conduction of the half wave rectifier Il, shield grid 25 rectification of tube 22 serving to aid the accuracy of control by clipping ofi any undue changes oi Therefore, as the voltage diiierence between the control grid and the cathode of tube 22 is diminished, this tube is finally rendered conducting at a point determined by a positive pulse of voltage supplied to the shield grid 25.

Prior to the conduction of tube 22, the control grid 4l oi' the tube 38 is negative with respect to the cathode 3'! of that tube. The capacitor 42 is charged with a polarity according to this voltage dilierence. As tube 22 begins to conduct, the conductor 35 tends to carry the cathode 37 of tube 38 a negative amount due to the voltage drop across the Vadjustable resistor 32, this drop being due to conduction current of the tube 22. This has a tendency to cause the cathode 3l of tube 38 to become negative with respect to the control grid, but the charge on capacitor 42 momentarily prevents this occurrence. Inasmuch as tube 22, as previously mentioned, is rendered conducting by a positive pulse of voltage upon the shield grid 25 thereof, this positive pulse occurring adjacent to the mid point of a half cycle of voltage, if the capacitor 42 were not present tube 38 might begin to conduct during the latter half of a half cycle, there- -by permitting a, lpremature partial pulse of cui'- rent through relay coil 41.V Capacitor 42 prevents this -tux'liavorabler occurrence,-r the charge L cnr-the capacitor.- 42 ,1 being rapidly dissipated,-v

howeverjfthrough thefresistorszAt and 44, so that precisely atfthe beginning ofthe :,next positive excursion rof anode ,-39 voltage, tube-381..will 6011:-, duct tofenergizev the v.relay ,coil 141,1x the,v conduction Atherefore occurring f. only fduring. v a;.whole gv to Apass current through -the vweldingv -tlaILSOlI`f! r=. Thefmechanical delay .off-the relay -is designed to;

bel :suchgth'at its :contacts :close gduring 1: the 5 halfi cycle fof;voltage-:immediately :succeeding the met han f cycie .lof- :coneuenon,througngtne :relay-Coil;

41, andf'preferably'at theproper instantI vingthal; half-cycle-for initiation Vof a normal Waveof cur- V rent for,` welding transformers offusual Apower factor;V Thus vobjectionable transients `dueto initiation; of; current Vat 1;. improper; instangt s, are

avoided? urthermore,y current ,-ilow.; throughfthe I welding transformer always starts,` during, the sameY polarityof thev alternating-voltagewave, thereforel starting.;initialcurrent iilow; always in the :same: direotion. During the half cycles of nonsconduction ofthe tube 38,5 Ithe. l:capacitor` 4S discharges throughthe relayA coil 41 -togmaintain the relayinran energizedcondition.- Tube33 will' continuato` conduct and the, relaycoil 4 l will'- remain xenerglzech. fort a period determined vby thev timing. combination: comprising: thef-adgusta-` ble resistor-32 and thercapacitor 33.2 As, condrmn tion current/of 'tube 22:; passes through-thefresistor 32 1 and .the capacitor -33 and subsequently through tube 22,' a'- charge is ybuilt upfupon the capacitor -33l-until this 4charge is vsuiiciently large to-oause--th'e cathodeltof thetube 38;.'to become positive with respect to the control grid 4l thereof.: When-this-condition prevails," tubeiisgcut oland no'longerfconducts.. Thetimer-required to-buildv a charge on capacitor: 33 therefor-.edeterm'ines the'fweld time. Throughout-lthistime currentis conducted alternately inboth directions bythe Aignitrons inV the customary-manner.

During the rst half cycle after tube-33 stops conducting, capacitor lSA-Villact, as before-described', to keepvthe relay coilf lll-energized; dur,- ing-the half cycleiollowing this occurrence, the induotor'49; which is -iny series with the-capacitor l;y causes'adefinite-andsharp reversal of `current fiow through .the relay :coil .47 to-causefrapid 'and synchronousY deenergizationethereof.; the con-tact 52 v therebyrreturningl 1 to its ynormal -openfconditionj rapidly and with certainty-du-ring this half cycle: Theimechanicalldelay-lof therelay iur` ther` provides that thisopening willi-not` occur until aterthe traily ignitronv has begun .to conductbutrwill occurfbefore -it `has-ceased toconduct,v the ftrail ignitron then conducting Vto-the normal current zero.v ItA will i therefore,` be. seen that current will ilow duringtvvo, and only two, half -cycles fol-lowing-the'last half f cycle oftube Silvcoriclvuction.v It will furtherr bevseen thatfthe last pulse ofenergy through the welding: transfcrmerwillialways have thesame polarity. As hasbeenpreviously indicated, weld current flow always starts with theopposite polarity.'

During: the period in ,Whichtube `38u-conducts, the primary oftransformer vELisenergized; the secondary: of transformer 5 i f driving the; grid-1 5l .of electronic tube; xsuiiicently positive to. :cause that:tube-to-.conductr This conductionchargesV of coil current mayv occurein this circuit.

capacitor; 62 through control; gridg conductlon cielectronic tube, :El: These fpulsesgoccur during thetimewhenthe anodeftof tube'l isnegatiye withr respect to *the cathodey 69Vl thereof, so/that the tube c (ilV is vimmediately cut ,off bye-the charge on capacitor 621and-does not,therefore,conduct during the .period-in.. whiolrv :tube f3 8 cor-iductsl` The .timing arrangementgin` the grid- `circuit of,V electronic tube 61 is that describedin the Aafore-` mentioned 'copending application,- and. acts to permit the voltages ofl ther cathode andgrid Ato slowly approach asngle value. Superimposed,y upon the decreasing voltage of capacitorSZ is af synchronizing, alternating ripple fed into the voltage divideijcircuit which` comprises resistors 64 and 65, from the secondary/9|.- TubeET will therefore remain non-conductiveuntil capacitor 62 has properlydischarged through the circuit in parallel therewith; the actual instant of -initiation of conduction being controlled by the DOSitive drive of the synchronizing pulse;-

Throughout the period in which-tubev61 is quiescent, the control grid`12-of=tube-13fis at approximately the potential,A of conductor 9 j and is intermittently sufficiently positive so-that the tube 'I3 will conduct to charge capacitor 'I6 through control grid l'conduction of -electronic tube 8|. Inasmuch as these current -pulses goccur during thel half cycles inn Whichthe anode 82 of the tube Sl is positive with; respect -tothecathode 83 of 'that tube,A tube 8| is not-immediately cut off, as was the case withvtube 61.Y Tube-8l will therefore continue to conduct untilthe beforedescribed timing control 'voltages of tube 61 are such that that tube El willl yagain resume conduction. The elements which determine these` timing voltages thereby control the hold time of the circuit. The conduction of tube.6.'l-will.no longer permit the/grid 12:of.tube13to..become suiliciently positive to permit tubel3toconduct, so the charge on capacitor.16..cuts oftube 8| as soon as tube 6'! begins to conductr Thetiming circuit controlling conduction of tube8.l is the same as that before described Vforthefcontrol of the tube 6l, and therefore this functionwill not now be described. As soon-as tube- 8l Ais cut oi, the relay coil 81 is deenergized and-the contacts which it controls are returned to the position indicated in the drawing. Immediately after the circuit controlling the control grid 7S of tube 8l has timed out, this circuitcontrolling the oif time in the welding cycle, tube 8| will once again conduct, provided initiated contact is-closed, to `initiateanother,cycle as herein described` lt 4will be, Obvious, ,thatiwith ,the particular cir.- cult arrangement of applicants-invention, semisynchronizationhor thejweld is effected by fem-- ployllg a positivel crestofvoltage, transmitted from -a half waveretier'toaparallel capacitor circuit, to control this synchronization effect, and that furthermoreV this vnatural synchronization process is delayed so thatonly/ ful-l half cycles The actual Vinstant of initiation 4of weld current flow,

whichin this circuit Vis dependent upon xedrmesynchronous deenergization of this relay coil so that the contact controlled by this coil is always opened in a manner which permits only full half cycles of trail conduction to occur, with weld current always being terminated at the end of this trail half cycle. It will furthermore be seen that these advantageous results are achieved in an economical manner and with absolutely dependable elements.

As an example of one set of values for the various circuit components illustrated in the figure, these components may have the following characteristics:

Resistors:

i3 759K. (kilohms) I4 110K .|6 75K VI1 2.01M (megohms) max. ad-

justablo 27 15M 2S 20K 32 2.02M

43 180K d@ 150K M 2M '59 510K Sli 1.8M

59 20K 6l 2.02M (max. adjustable) il 91K.

8G 510K 'il 1.3M

i4 20K 15 2.02M (max. adjustable) Capacitors l2 15 (in microfarads) Rectifier:

I`I '75MA.,130V.

Tubes:

2138,61, 8l 2050 5S, 'i3 6J5 accomplish the operation described above.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specioally disclosed, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

-1. In a control circuit having means energized by an electronic tube to eiect a control function,- an electronic tube having at least an anode and cathode and a control electrode, a source of alternating voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, means establishing a point of rst potential, means establishing a point of second potential, means connecting the control electrode of said electronic tube to said point of first potential, means connecting the cathode of said electronic tube to said point of second potential, said second potential being normally greater in value than said first potential so that said electronic tube cannot conduct,- means for synchronously lowering the value of said second potential to a value to render saidl electric valve conductive, said last mentioned means always operating at substantially the same point of the source voltage wave, and a capacitor' connecting the cathode and control electrode ofV said electronic tube and delaying the relative change in Voltage between the cathode and control electrode after operation of said potential lowering means whereby said electronic tube will become conductive a predetermined time after the operation of said potential loweringmeans;

2. in a circuit arrangement for eiectingoperation of a relay, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, a relay coil connected in series circuit with said electronic tube and energized upon current ow between the principal electrodes thereof, capacitive energy storing means in circuit with said relay coil for maintaining current flow in the normal direction through said relay coil during the half cycle following a period or" conduction of said electronic tube to maintain said relay coil energized, and an inductive element serially connected with said capacitive means, said serial connection forming a parallel circuit with said relay coil, said capacitive means and inductive element having reactive values of such magnitude that a substantial exchange of energy occurs therebetween following the aforesaid half cycle so that said relay coil is rapidly deenergized, and means associated with said relay coil and operated upon energization thereof to effect a control function.

3. In a circuit arrangement for effecting operation of a relay, an electronic tube having at least an anode and cathode and a control electrode, a source of alternating voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, means establishing a point of iirst potential, means establishing a point of second potential, means connecting the control electrode of said electronic tube to said point of rst potential, means connecting the cathode 0f said electronic tube to said point of second potential, said second potential normally being greater in value than said first potential so that said electronic tube cannot conduct, means for synchronously lowering the value or" said secon-d potential to a value below that of said first potential to render said electronic tube conductive, a capacitor connecting the cathode and control electrode of said electronic tube and delaying the relative change in voltage between the cathode and control electrode after operation of said potential lowering means, a relay coil connected in series circuit with said electronic tube and energized upon current iow between the principal electrodes thereof, capacitive energy storing means in circuit with said relay coil for maintaining current flow in the..;..normaldirection,through saidr relay. coil duringthehalfcycle following a. period of con-V said half .cycle so thatsaid relay coil is rapidly. deen'ergized, and means associated withsaid reu` lay. coilv and operated. uponenergization thereof toeffect a. control function.

4. In a control circuit havingmeans energized byan electronictube to.' effect Ja .control .function, an 'electronic tube rhaving-iatleast an.` anode and; cathode' anda control electrode, a source vof alternating. voltage, meanscormectingY said elecV tronictubeacross.saidsource of voltage, a supply: ordirectxvoltage. a nrst resistance.v element con-y nected :across .said supplyofv voltage; and establishingrla pointzof .rst potential, a second` resistance.v element connected to .said supply or voltage and establishinga point. ci second potential;meansconnecting the control electrode of saidelectronic tube to said pointerv iii-st po tential,..,meansconnecting. the cathode.. of said electronic .tubetosaidpoint of second potential,`

said-second potentiallnorma-lly `being greater than. said first .potential so.. that said electronic tubei cannot conduct, means' for passing. `current' through .said second-.resistance.element to lower.

thevalue. of saidzsecond potentialto a valuev to` render .said electronic tube conductive', said last mentioned means always a operating. at substantiallythe'samepoint of thesource voltagewave, andia. normallyy chargedcapacitor connecting `the control electrode .and cathode `of said electronic tube, said .charged capacitor -discharging after operationof said potential lowering means and` delayingthe relative change. in .voltagebetween thecathode'and control electrode of. said electronic .tube-.during .the discharge' period, wherebyzsaid `.electronictube will .be-come. conductive a predetermined time after the .operationoi Ysaid potential lowering means.v

5. :In a, circuit; arrangement for! effecting :oper-' ation of .a relay,Y anelectronicitube having at leastran anode andrcathcde.. and a control electrode,.a source. of alternatingsivoltage,-means connecting. said electronic. tubel across .said source of fvoltage, va vfirst i. resistance. element connected across :said source 10i Lvoltage. andv establishing 1 a pointrofirstpotential, a second resistance element .,.connected'to said sourcefoi voltage and` establishing a point of. second potential, means connecting the control electrode. of `saidelectronictube .to said point or" rst potential, means connectingv the cathode of said electronic. tube. to said point of secondpotential, said second .pctential normally. lbeing greater .than said rst potential so that-said electronic. tube cannot conduct, `meansffor passing current. through. said secondrresistance elementto lower the vvalue ciV said :secondi potential to a value to render 'said electronic tubeconductive, said last mentioned means always operating at substantially the same. point of the source voltage wave, a normally ychargedY capacitor connecting. the control grid and cathode ofsaid electronic tube, said. charged capacitordischarging after operationof said` current passing meansand delaying. theV relative changein voltage between the cath-ode and control .electrode of said.. electronic tube during 10 the discharge period, a rrelay .coil .connected in series circuitwith said electronic tube andv energized upon current flow between the principal capacitive energy storing electrodes thereof, means in circuit with said relaycoil for rmaintaining .current flow in the normal direction'. through said relay coilduring the half 4cycle following a period of conduction of said electronic tube to maintain said relay coil energized', and

an inductive element serially connected with.`

saidy capacitive means, said serial connection forming a parallelcircuit with "said relay coil,.v

said capacitivel means and inductive element having reactive values of such magnitude that a substantial exchange. of energy occurs therebetween following the aforesaid half cycle'so that. saidrelay` coil is rapidly deenergized, and meansassociated .with said relay coil and operated upon. energization thereof to effect a control .func-.-

tion.

said electronic tube acrosssaid sourceof voltage, a rst resistance element connectedv acrossf4 said source of voltage` and establishing a point of rst potentiaL. a second resistance element..

connected to. said source ofvoltage, and. establishing a point ci second potential, meanscon necting the control electrode of said electronictube Yto"said.point of nrst potential, means con. nectingA the cathode of. said electronic tube to said pointV of second potential, said second potential normally.beinggreater thanL said rst potential s0 that said electronic tubelcannot con. duct, a second electronic tube for passing current through said second resistance element to lower the value oi'said secondpotential to a value to render said electronic tube conductive, means for effecting conduction 'of sai'delectronic tube at substantially the same point' of the source voltage wave, a normally charged ca"-V pacitor connecting the control electrode and cathode of said electronic tube, said charged ca-v pacitor discharging after operation of said po'-v tential lowering means and delayingthe'relative change in voltage between the cathode and control electrode of said electronic tube duringv theV discharge period, whereby said electronic tube will become conductive a predetermined time' after the operation of said..v second electronic tube is begun, and means in'serie's 'circuit with said second resistance element andsaid second electronic tube for restoring the'value of said-'second potential to substantially its original value. to terminate the period ofconduction. of said irst' mentioned electronic tube.

7. In a. circuit.arrangement'foreffecting op.

eration of a relay, ,an electronic `tube having at duct, a second electronic tube for passing current through said second resistance element to lower the value of said second potential to a value to render said electronic tube conductive, means for effecting conduction of said electronic tube at substantially the same point of the source Voltage wave, a normally charged capacitor connecting the control grid and cathode of said electronic tube, said charged capacitor discharging after operation of said second electronic tube and delaying the relative change in voltage between the cathode and control electrode of said first mentioned electronic tube during the discharge period, a relay coil connected in series circuit with said electronic tube and energized upon current flow between the principal electrodes thereof, capacitive energy storing means in circuit with said relay coil for maintaining current ow in the normal direction through said relay coil during the half cycle following a period of conduction of said electronic tube to maintain said relay coil energized, and an inductive element serially connected with said capacitive means, said serial connection forming a parallel circuit with said relay coil, said capacitive means and inductive element having reactive values of such magnitude that a substantial exchange of energy occurs therebetween fcllowing the aforesaid half cycle so that said relay coil is rapidly deenergized, and means associated with said relay coil and operated upon energization thereof to effect a control function, and means in series circuit with said second resistance element and said second electronic tube for restoring the value of said second potential to substantially its original value to terminate the period of conduction of said first mentioned electronic tube.

8. In a control circuit arrangement, an electronic tube having at least an anode and cathode and a control electrode, a source of alternating voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, rectifying means, means energized through said rectifying means and controlling the potential of said control electrode, said last mentioned means operatlng'synchronously with said source of voltage' andv applying a triggering potential to said control electrode at substantially the same point on the voltage wave during each operating period whereby "said electronic tube is synchronously rendered conductive, and means responsive to current flow through said electronic tube to effect a` control function. i 9. Ina circuit arrangement for effecting operation of a relay, an electronic tube having at least an anode and cathode and a control electrode, a source of periodically varying voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, means for initiating the conduction of said electronic tube at a predetermined phase relation to said varying voltage, a relay coil connected in series with `said electronic tube, means associated with said relay coil and operating upon energization of said coil to eiect a control function, said last mentioned means, operating only after a predetermined length of time following the initial energization of said relay coil to insure the control function is initiated at an instant having a particular relationship to the source voltage wave, and means for terminating the operation of said last mentioned means after predetermined length of time following the deenergization of said relay coil.

" *10. In a control circuit arrangement, an elecode and a control electrode, a source of periodically varying voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, rectifying means, means energized through said rectifying means and controlling the potential of said control electrode, said last mentioned means operating synchronously with said source of voltage and applying a triggering potential to said control electrode at substantially the same point on the voltage wave during each operating period, a relay coil in series with said electronic tube, means associated with said relay coil and operating upon energization of said coil to eifect a control function, said means for effecting a control function operating only after a predetermined length of time following the initial energization of said relay coil to insure the control function is initiated at an instant having a particular relationship to the source voltage wave, and means for terminating the operation of said means for effecting a control function after predetermined length of time following the deenergization of said relay coil.'

11. In a circuit arrangement for eecting operation of a relay, an electronic tube having at least an anode and cathode and a control electrode, a. source of voltage, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, means establishing a point of first potential, means establishing a point of second potential, means connecting the control electrode of said electronic tube to said point of first potential, means connecting the cathode of said electronic tube to said point of second potential, said second potential normally being greater in value from said rst potential so that'said electronic tube cannot conduct, synchronously operating means for lowering the value of said second potential to a value to render said electronic tube conductive, a capacitor connecting the cathode and control electrode of said electronic tube, and delaying the relative change in voltage between the cathode and control electrode after operation of said potential lowering means, a relay coil connected in series with said electronic tube, means associated with said relay coil and operating upon energization of said coil to effect a control function, said means for effecting a control function operating only after a predetermined length of time following the initial energization of said relay coil to insure the control function is initiated at an instant having a particular relationship to the source voltage wave, and means for terminating the operation of said means for effecting a control function after a predetermined length of time following-the deenergization of said relay coil.

12. In a control circuit for effecting the passage of alternating current to a load, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube energized by said source, a relay having its operating coil in series with said tube and energized by current flow therethrough, a switch operated by said relay means for passing current to said load during the period said switch is'operated, means for initiating conduction of said electronic tube at a predetermined phase position relative to said alternating voltage whereby said coil is synchronously energized, said relay having a fixed delay between the moment of initial energization and the moment of operation of said switch, closure of said switch thereby being effected by said relay a predetermined time after energization of said relay whereby said switch 13 is, closed to initiate current flow through the load, at a predetermined phase position relative to saidu alternating voltage.

13, In a control circuit for effecting the passage of alternating current to a load, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube Venergized by said source, a relay having its operating coil in series with vsaid vtube and energized by conduction thereoia switch controlling load current flow operated by Ysaid relay for initiating loadv current flow, means for passing current to saidk load during the period of operation of said switch, means for initiating conduction of said electronic tube at a predetermined phase position relative to said alternating voltage whereby said coil is synchronously energized, said relay having a iixed delay between the moment of initial energization and the moment of operation of said switch, closure of said switch thereby being effected by said relay a predetermined time after energiza'tion of said relay whereby said switch is closed to initiate current flow through the load at a predetermined phase position relative to said alternating voltage, timing means for interrupting current flow through said tube after a predetermined conducting period, and energy storing means in circuit with the coil of said relay for effecting its deenergization a predetermined time following the cessation of said tubes conduction to eect the opening of said switch.

ifi. In a control circuit for effecting the passage of an even number of half cycles of alterhating current to a load, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube having an anode, a cathode, and a control electrode, means connecting said tube across said source, a relay having its coil in series with said tube and energized by conduction thereof, a switch controlling load current now and operated by said relay for initiating the current flow through the load, means responsive to the operation of said switch for passing current to the load, means for establishing a point of iirst potential, means for establishing a point of second potential normally greater than the iirst potential, means connecting said control electrode to said point of rst potential, means connecting said cathode to said point of second potential whereby said tube is normally prevented from conducting, means for synchronously lowering the value of said second potential to a value suihcient to render said tube conducting whereby said tube will begin to conduct and thereby energize said relay coil in a predetermined phase position relative to said alternating voltage, said relay having a nxed delay between the moment of initial energization and the moment of operation of said switch, closure of said switch being eifected by said relay a predetermined time after energization of said coil whereby said switch is closed to initiate current flow through the load at a predetermined phase position relative to said alternating voltage and during a half cycle of a nrst polarity, means for synchronously interrupting a period of said tubes conduction, and means for effecting the deenergization of said relay and the subsequent opening of said switch a predetermined time following the ycessation of current flow through said tube and during a half cycle of a polarity opposite to said rst polarity.

l5. In a control circuit for effecting the passage of alternating current to a load, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube connected across said source, a relay having its coil in series with said tube, a vswitch closed by-said relayfor initiating the load current ow, said relay having a mechanical delay in operation whereby said switch is closed by said relay a predetermined time after energization of said relay, and means for initiating conduction of said tube only at the beginning of half cycles of said alternating voltage whereby said coil is energized only by full half cycles of current, said switch thereby being closed to initiate current flow through the load a predetermined time following the beginning #of a half cycle of said alternating voltage.

i6. In accntrol circuit for effecting the passage of alternating current to a load, a sourceof `alternating voltage, an electronic tube connected across said source, a relay having its coil in series with said tube, a switch closed by said relay for initiating the load current flow, said relay having a predetermined mechanical delay in operating whereby said switch is operated by said relay a predetermined time after a change in the energization thereof, means for initiating conduction of said tube only at the beginning of a half cycle of said alternating voltage whereby said coil is energized only by full half cycles of current, said switch thereby being closed to initiate current flow through the load a predetermined time following the beginning of a half cycle of said alternating voltage, means operative at the end of a half cycle of said alternating voltage for preventing further conduction of said tube, and energy storing means including capacitive and inductive means in circuit with said coil and of reactive values to provide for a substantial exchange of energy therebetween for eifecting the deenergization of said coil a predetermined time after cessation of current now through said tube whereby said switch is opened a predetermined time after the end of a half cycle of said alternating voltage.

17. In a circuit arrangement for effecting operation of a relay, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube, means connecting said electronic tube across said source of voltage, a circuit including a relay coil connected in series with said electronic tube, capacitive energy storing means in said circuit for maintaining current now in the normal direction through said relay coil during the half cycles immediately following periods of conduction of said electronic tube to maintain said relay coil energized, said circuit having capacitive and inductive reactive values of such magnitude that a substantial exchange of energy occurs following the aforesaid half cycles so that said relay coil is rapidly deenergized, and means associated with said relay coil and operated upon energzation thereof to effect a control function.

18. A control circuit for effecting the passage of alternating current to a load of substantially constant power factor, a source of alternating voltage, an electronic tube energized by said source, a relay having a coil in series with said tube so as to be energized by current flow therethrough, a switch operated by said relay and closed to effect load current flow, means for synchronously energizing said tube, said relay being thereby synchronously energized, said relay having a predetermined mechanical delay between the instant of initial energization and the instant of closure of said switch of such duration as to effect closure of said switch at approximately the normal current zero for a circuit of such power factor whereby load current is initiated substantially without transients, and means for synchronously interrupting current flow through said tube to thereby deenergize said relay and effect opening of said switch.

ERNEST G. ANGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the f le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Warrington June 23, 1942 McCay July 18, 1944 Kinsman Mar. 20, 1945 Number 16 Name Date Bivens Dec. 18, 1945 Bivens Deo. 18, 1945 Bartholy Jan. 15, 1946 Kingsmill June 10, 1947 Stadium Nov. 18, 1947 Bivens May 18, 1948 Large June 22, 1948 Thumin Apr. 26, 1949 Hills Dee. 27, 1949 Moyer Jan. 10, 1950 Longini Nov. 28, 1950 Bivens May 8, 1951 

